Evie Summers
Sleeping bags are a must-have for any outdoor adventure, and keeping them clean is essential to ensure they last long and perform well. While some people prefer to have their bags professionally laundered, it is possible to wash and dry them yourself. The type of soap you use to wash your sleeping bag depends on its material. Down sleeping bags require a mild, technical soap designed specifically for down, such as Nikwax Down Wash Direct, Grangers Down Wash, or Woolite. Synthetic bags can be washed with a performance wash product or a mild detergent such as Woolite. It is important to avoid using standard laundry detergents or dry cleaning as they can strip the natural oils from the down, affecting its loft. Spot cleaning with a toothbrush and soap paste is often sufficient for removing stains and grime, especially around the hood and collar where oil and skin tend to accumulate. When washing your sleeping bag, always follow the manufacturer's care instructions and avoid using a tumble dryer or dry cleaning as this could damage the zippers or insulation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of soap | Non-detergent soap, Down soap, Woolite, Nikwax Down Wash Direct, Granger’s Down Wash, Tech Wash, Synthetic soap |
| Amount | Less than recommended by the manufacturer |
| Application | Apply gently, avoid scrubbing |
| Rinsing | Rinse thoroughly, repeat until all soap is removed |
| Drying | Dry in a dryer on low heat, air dry in partial shade, avoid direct sunlight |
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What You'll Learn
Use a non-detergent soap for sleeping bags
Sleeping bags require gentle care and cleaning to maintain their quality and warmth. A dirty sleeping bag is a less-warm sleeping bag, as body oils, sweat, and dirt can diminish the insulation power of a sleeping bag over time.
To keep your sleeping bag in good condition, it is recommended to use a non-detergent soap that is made for washing down and synthetic-filled items. You should avoid using conventional laundry detergents or 'active wash' products, as they contain harsh detergents, fillers, and brighteners that can stick to the fibres and reduce loft.
For down sleeping bags, use a specialised down soap, which is very mild and will rinse out without leaving residue. Grangers Down Wash is an excellent product for this purpose and is available as part of a kit that includes special balls for use in the dryer to help restore loft.
When washing your sleeping bag, always follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer. If you are handwashing, fill the tub with lukewarm or warm water and add a mild soap. Place the sleeping bag in the tub, gently kneading it to force the water and soap through it. Rinse and repeat several times to ensure all soap residue is removed.
If you are machine washing, use a front-loading washer with a delicate cycle and a temperature setting of no higher than 40°C / 100°F. Select an extra rinse cycle and a faster/longer spin cycle to remove as much water as possible. Remember to zip up all zippers and close any Velcro straps before placing the sleeping bag in the machine.
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Avoid soap, use a sleeping bag liner instead
Sleeping bags can be a hassle to clean, and improper cleaning can lead to a loss of loft and insulation. To avoid the need for frequent cleaning, a sleeping bag liner can be used. Liners are available in silk, fleece, microfiber, wool, and other materials, and can be used to add warmth, manage moisture, and keep the sleeping bag clean. They are also easy to clean themselves, with most being machine washable. Liners are also useful for backpackers or travellers who want to improve their hygiene standards when sleeping in hostels or other shared accommodations.
Sleeping bag liners are an additional layer that goes inside your sleeping bag. They are designed to be comfortable, lightweight, and easy to pack. Liners can also be used to extend the temperature range of your sleeping bag, keeping you warm in colder conditions.
If you do decide to wash your sleeping bag, it is important to use the right kind of soap. A gentle, non-detergent soap made for washing down and synthetic-filled items is recommended. You can also use a soap specifically formulated for down, such as Grangers Down Wash, which is mild and will not leave residue. Avoid using conventional laundry detergents, as the harsh detergents, fillers, and brighteners can stick to the down or synthetic fibres and reduce loft.
When washing a sleeping bag, it is important to be gentle and to avoid straining and ripping the seams. If you are handwashing, fill the tub with cool or warm water, add soap, and gently knead the sleeping bag to force the water and soap through it. Do not pick up the bag during this process, as the weight of the water can tear the baffles. If you are machine washing, use a front-loading washer or a top-loading machine without an agitator.
In conclusion, to keep your sleeping bag clean and well-maintained, consider using a sleeping bag liner to reduce the need for frequent washing. Liners are easy to care for, can improve your comfort, and will extend the life of your sleeping bag.
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How to hand-wash a sleeping bag
Hand-washing a sleeping bag is a tedious chore and should only be done when other options are unavailable. It is critical to ensure that the bag is completely dry before storing it, as storing a wet bag can lead to mildew growth.
To hand-wash a sleeping bag, you will need a bathtub, a large washing basin, or a kiddie pool, and a mild soap or detergent specifically formulated for the type of sleeping bag you own. If you have a down sleeping bag, use a down soap, which is very mild and will rinse out without leaving residue. For synthetic bags, use a performance wash product suitable for synthetics. Avoid using conventional laundry detergents as the harsh detergents, fillers, and brighteners can stick to the fibres and reduce loft.
Before you begin, remove any straps from the underside of the bag, as they can snag and damage the strap attachment points. If you are using a bathtub, ensure it is clean. Turn the sleeping bag inside out and place it in the tub. Fill the tub halfway with cool or warm water and add a small amount of the appropriate soap, following the manufacturer's instructions on dosage. Gently knead the sleeping bag to force water and soap through it. Do not pick up the bag during this process, as the weight of the water can tear out the baffles. Allow the bag to soak for about 15 minutes to an hour.
After soaking, drain the water and gently work out as much of the remaining water as possible without wringing or twisting the bag, as this can damage the fibres and filling. Repeat the rinse process until all the soap is out. Then, gather the bag into a ball in your arms and carry it to a dryer, being careful not to strain and rip the seams.
Set the dryer to low heat, as high heat can melt the fabric or filling. Add two to three dryer balls, such as tennis balls, to help redistribute the filling evenly, break up any clumps, and speed up drying time. Run the dryer for at least an hour, but expect the process to take several hours, depending on the type of sleeping bag and its size. If you do not have access to a dryer, you can air-dry your bag by laying it flat on a clean surface in an area with low humidity and no direct sunlight, or you can hang it up.
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How to machine-wash a sleeping bag
Most sleeping bags can be machine washed, but it is important to check the label first. If you are unsure, it is recommended to hand wash your sleeping bag or have it professionally laundered.
Before washing your sleeping bag, inspect it for any small holes or tears. Sew up any holes by hand, and remove any straps from the underside of the bag to prevent them from snagging and damaging the fabric.
When machine washing your sleeping bag, use a front-loading washer or a top-loading machine without an agitator. Wash on a gentle cycle with warm or cold water, and be sure to use the appropriate soap. Use a small amount of mild soap, such as a soap specifically formulated for down or a performance wash product for synthetics. Avoid using standard laundry detergent, as the fillers and brighteners can stick to the bag and reduce its loft.
To ensure your sleeping bag gets thoroughly cleaned, add a few damp articles of clothing, such as towels or t-shirts, to help balance the spin of the machine. Rinse at least twice to make sure all the soap residue is gone. You can also run the sleeping bag through a second, soap-free wash-and-rinse cycle to be sure.
After washing, dry your sleeping bag on low heat. Machine heat varies, so check on your sleeping bag often. If it's too hot, the fabric or fill can melt. It is recommended to use a commercial dryer, if possible, as they have larger capacities that allow sleeping bags to fully tumble. If you are air-drying your sleeping bag, lay it flat on a clean surface in an area with low humidity and no direct sunlight.
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How to dry a sleeping bag
To dry a sleeping bag, you can use a dryer or air-dry it.
If you are using a dryer, set it to low heat as high heat can melt the fabric or synthetic fill. For down sleeping bags, add two to three tennis balls to the dryer to break up any clumps of down and restore loft. For synthetic bags, tennis balls are optional. Run the dryer for at least an hour, and longer if needed, checking periodically to ensure the bag is thoroughly dry.
If you choose to air-dry your sleeping bag, lay it flat on a clean surface in an area with low humidity and no direct sunlight. You can also hang the bag up to dry, but be careful to distribute the weight so that you don't put too much stress on the fabric. Leave the bag out overnight to ensure it is completely dry.
Before placing your sleeping bag back in its storage bag, check the seams, zippers, and drawcords to ensure they are in good condition. Feel the insulation to see if it is evenly distributed.
To dry a sleeping bag after hand-washing, first gently squeeze out as much water as you can. Then, work your hands underneath and gather the bag up in your arms to carry it to the dryer, being careful not to strain or rip the seams. If you are not using a dryer, carry the bag to a clean surface to air-dry.
To speed up the drying process, you can roll up the sleeping bag in a few towels and press firmly to soak up excess water. You can also put the bag in a washing machine set to "Spin" to dry it out more.
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Frequently asked questions
You should use a technical soap made for the type of sleeping bag you have, i.e., down or synthetic. For down bags, use a mild soap like Grangers Down Wash, Nikwax Down Wash Direct, or a down soap. For synthetic bags, use a performance wash product like Grangers Down Performance Wash or Nikwax Tech Wash.
Hand-washing your sleeping bag in the bathtub is the safest way to clean it. First, remove any straps from the underside of the bag. Fill the tub with lukewarm or warm water and add the recommended amount of soap. Put the bag in the water and gently knead or agitate it with your hands. Let the bag soak for about 15-20 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Repeat the rinsing process until all the soap is out.
To dry your sleeping bag, first, gently squeeze out as much water as you can. Then, gather the bag in your arms and carry it to a dryer. If you don't have access to a dryer, lay the bag flat on a clean surface in an area with low humidity and no direct sunlight, or hang it up. Make sure your bag is completely dry before storing it.
